A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING ASHLEY CARRILLO OF RAYMOND, MISSISSIPPI, AS THE 2000 STATE GAMES FEMALE SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, the State Games of Mississippi has selected Ashley Carrillo of Raymond, Mississippi, to represent the 2000 State Games as the BellSouth Female Sportsman of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the award seeks to honor those athletes who personify the ideals of the State Games movement, such as participation, sportsmanship, achievement, effort and positive attitude; and

WHEREAS, the ninth annual State Games of Mississippi was an impressive success with over 4,500 athletes representing 71 counties in Mississippi and competing in 24 sports around Lauderdale and Newton Counties, with central ceremonies at Rae Stadium in Meridian, Mississippi, with over 400 volunteers from across Mississippi helping with the games; and

WHEREAS, the 2000 State Games of Mississippi was Ashley's first year of participation; she participated in the 5K Road Race in the 10-under age group; she won a Gold Medal with a remarkable time in this event for someone so young of 23:21; she finished overall in the top five females participating at the age of 9; though this year was Ashley's first, she says "it will not be my last"; and

WHEREAS, Ashley's competitive spirit is always done with a smile and a positive attitude; she truly exemplifies all the characteristics of a good sportswoman; this past year she ran in over 30 races and finished in the top five overall female participants in all the races in which she competed; this is very remarkable for a 9-year-old; Ashley is a dedicated runner and generally runs 3 to 8 miles each day; Ashley was originally nominated by the Commissioner of the 5k Road Race, who stated "Her competitive spirit and love of running is worth recognition. She just brims with pride when given the recognition but is also very humble."; and

WHEREAS, along with her parents, Alex and Jacqueline Carrillo, it is with great pride that we recognize the achievements of this student athlete, whose competitive spirit brings honor to her school, her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ashley Carrillo of Raymond, Mississippi, the 2000 State Games BellSouth Female Sportsman of the Year, and wish her continued success in her future scholastic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Ashley Carrillo, her family and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.